Medical tray assembly

ABSTRACT

A staging tray has a bracket with a hook and a bumper. The hook and bumper are configured to be removably engaged with a lipped tray. A pivot mechanism pivotably connects the bracket to the staging tray. The pivot mechanism is selectively positionable into a plurality of positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/702,386 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,350,020), entitled“MEDICAL TRAY ASSEMBLY,” filed on May 1, 2015, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

During a surgical procedure, e.g., neurosurgery, spinal surgery,otolaryngological surgery, facial plastic or reconstructive surgeries,and the like, a medical tray is generally disposed so as to be locatedover a patient's chest. The medical tray is available to a surgicaltechnologist or scrub personnel for storage or placement of varioussurgical instruments, liquids, gauzes, etc. If the surgeon performingthe operation requires one of the items located thereon, he or shetypically asks the surgical technologist or scrub personnel for theitem. This may be a distraction for the surgeon focused on their work.It is possible for the surgeon to access the medical tray directly andselect the desired item, but the medical tray is often not positioned soit can be accessed by both the surgeon and the surgical technologist.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: a stagingtray; a bracket having a hook and a bumper, wherein the hook and thebumper are configured to be removably engaged with a lipped tray; and apivot mechanism for pivotably connecting the bracket to the stagingtray, wherein the pivot mechanism is selectively positionable into aplurality of positions. In an embodiment, the staging tray at leastpartially defines at least one of a trough and a receiver. In anotherembodiment, the staging tray has a raised edge, wherein at least aportion of the raised edge defines at least one of a plurality of slots,a plurality of teeth, and a plurality of crenellations. In yet anotherembodiment, the staging tray further includes a forceps receiver. Instill another embodiment, the forceps receiver includes a receipt angle.

In another embodiment of the above aspect, the forceps receiver has areceipt angle. In an embodiment, the socket is fixedly connected to thetray. In another embodiment, the pivot mechanism has a locking elementfor selectively positioning the pivot mechanism into the plurality ofpositions. In yet another embodiment, the ball is fixedly engaged withan armature connected to the bracket. In still another embodiment, thearmature is slidably engaged with the bracket. In another embodiment,the armature is selectively positionable in a plurality of positions.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: abracket; and a staging tray movably engaged with the bracket, whereinthe staging tray is configured to be positioned both angularly andlinearly relative to the bracket. In an embodiment, an angularadjustment system includes: a ball and socket joint engaged with atleast one of the bracket and the staging tray; and a rotatable lock forengaging at least one of the ball and the socket so as to selectivelyangularly position the staging tray relative to the bracket. In anotherembodiment, a linear adjustment system includes: an armature slidablyengaged with at least one of the bracket and the staging tray; and alock for engaging the armature so as to selectively linearly positionthe staging tray relative to the bracket. In yet another embodiment, atleast one of the ball and the socket is fixed to the armature. In stillanother embodiment, the ball and socket joint is configured for movementalong a single plane.

In another embodiment of the above aspect, the ball and socket joint ispositionable in a first extreme position and a second extreme positionapproximately 90 degrees from the first extreme position. In anembodiment, the lock has at least one of a fixed pin, a retractable pin,a spring-loaded pin, and a clamp.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: astaging tray including: a staging surface, wherein the staging surfacedefines at least one receiver and at least partially defines a trough;and a raised perimeter substantially surrounding the staging surface,wherein at least a portion of the raised perimeter at least partiallydefines at least one cut-out. In an embodiment, the staging tray isconfigured to be positioned both angularly and linearly relative to thebracket.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a staging tray assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the technology, engaged with a medicaltray.

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the staging trayassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded rear perspective view of an angularadjustment system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front perspective views of the staging tray assemblyof FIG. 1, depicting extreme linear and angular positions of the stagingtray.

FIG. 5A is a partial enlarged perspective view of a linear lockingelement in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5B is a top sectional view of the linear locking element of FIG.5A.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a linear locking element in accordancewith another embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front perspective and exploded front perspectiveviews, respectively, of a staging tray assembly 100 engaged with amedical tray T. FIGS. 1 and 2 are described simultaneously. During asurgical procedure, e.g., neurosurgery, spinal surgery,otolaryngological surgery, facial plastic or reconstructive surgeries,and the like, the medical tray T is generally disposed so as to belocated over a patient's chest, while the staging tray assembly 100extends towards the patient's head. In such an arrangement, the medicaltray T is available to a surgical technologist or other scrub personnelfor storage or placement of various surgical instruments, liquids,gauzes, etc. Engagement of the staging tray assembly 100 to the medicaltray T allows a surgeon to have readily available various items requiredfor surgery. These items may be staged on the staging tray 102, and mayinclude cotton patties, surgical gel foams, coagulants such as thombinand/or surgisil, stitches, clamps, forceps, etc. Thus, the surgeon isable to easily access these items without requesting such items from thesurgical technologist. The medical tray T may be a mayo tray or othermedical tray typically utilized in surgical suites. The medical tray Tis depicted schematically herein and includes at least a base B and alip L extending therefrom. The staging tray assembly 100 depicted hereincan be used with any type of medical tray T having at least a base B.Although the staging tray assembly 100 is described herein generally inthe context of a surgeon's use during brain surgery, the additionalspace and functionality available with the assembly 100 can be utilizedby surgeons, surgical technologists, or other scrub personnel, in otheroperations or procedures, such as spinal surgery, otolaryngologicalsurgery, facial plastic or reconstructive surgeries, and the like.

The staging tray assembly 100 includes the staging tray 102, a bracket104, and an angular and linear adjustment system 106 disposedtherebetween. The staging tray assembly 100 includes a base 108substantially surrounded by a raised perimeter or edge 110. The base 108at least partially defines one or more receivers 112 that can beutilized to hold cups of surgical liquids during surgery. These liquidscan be thombin, surgisil, saline, or other liquids or fluids used forflushing, coagulation, etc. The base 108 also at least partially definesa trough 114, which is used to catch fluids that may weep off of thecotton patties or other items. The trough 114 prevents these fluids fromdripping onto the surgical site or surgeon. The depicted trough 114 ispositioned along one side of the edge 110, but may be formed proximateother or additional sides of the edge 110. The raised edges 110 can alsobe formed so as to provide hanging holders for sutures or stitches. Forexample, the edges 110 can at least partially define a plurality ofslots, teeth, crenellations, or other shapes 116. Additionally, aforceps receiver 118 can be integrally formed or otherwise connected tothe staging tray 102 to provide a convenient storage location forforceps F. Openings 120 on the forceps receiver 118 define a receiptangle α that is sufficiently steep so as to prevent the forceps F fromsliding out therefrom, regardless of the angular position of the stagingtry 102. In the depicted embodiment, the forceps receiver 118 and thereceivers 112 are disposed on a right side of the staging tray 102.Left-handed surgeons may wish to have either or both of these componentsdisposed on the left side of the staging tray 102. A shaft 122 may bedisposed and fixed at one end of the staging tray 102 and can include aportion of the angular and linear adjustment system 106. For example, inFIG. 1, the shaft 122 is fixedly connected to a socket 124, which isdescribed in more detail below.

The bracket 104 is removably engageable with the tray T and includes aninterface 126 that is integral with a hooked upper arm 128. The hookedupper arm 128 defines a plurality of curvatures so the bracket 104 canbe utilized with medical trays T having varied lip L configurations. Alower arm 130 includes two portions 130 a, 130 b and extends from theinterface 126. The lower arm 130 terminates at a bumper 132 that engagesa bottom surface of the base B of the medical tray T during use.Although other bracket configurations may be utilized, it has beendetermined that brackets 104 having relatively wide hooks 128 andbumpers 132 prevent wobbling of the bracket 104. The interface 126defines an opening 134 for receipt of a portion of the angular andlinear adjustment system 106, in the depicted embodiment, an armature136.

The angular and linear adjustment system 106 includes, in the depictedembodiment, a number of shared components and connects the bracket 104to the staging tray 102. One portion of the system is a pivot mechanismthat includes a socket 124 engaged with a ball 138. This ball and socketjoint 140 enables pivotable connection between the shaft 122 and thearmature 136. In certain embodiments, the ball and socket joint 140 mayallow for multiple degrees of freedom, such that the maximum angularpositions define a cone having an apex substantially centered on theball 138. A limited-movement ball and socket joint 140 is described inFIG. 3, below. A locking element 142, in the form of a locking collar orwheel, engages one or more threads 144 on an outer portion of the socket124. When rotated in a first direction, the locking element 142 canallow for pivoting movement of the staging tray 102 relative to thebracket 104, which remains fixed in position. A counter-rotation of thelocking element 142 locks the position of the staging tray 102 in place.The armature 136 is connected to the ball 138 defines a plurality ofopenings 150 and is slidably received in the opening 134 in theinterface 126. A base 152 is disposed proximate the opening 134 andprovides a mounting element for another portion of the angular andlinear adjustment system 106, a linear locking element 154. The linearlocking element 154 includes an engagement element or pin 156 configuredto engage the openings 150 in the armature 136. A plate 158 is utilizedto mount the locking element 154 to the base 152 and a pull 160 enablesa user to withdraw the pin 156 from one of the openings 150, so as toadjust a linear position of the staging tray 102 relative to the bracket104. The pin 156 can be fixed, retractable, or spring-loaded, or a clampmay be used. Angular and linear adjustment systems having differentcomponents than those depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are also contemplatedand described herein.

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded rear perspective view of the angularadjustment system, specifically the ball and socket joint 140 of FIG. 1.Certain of the elements used therein are described above in FIGS. 1 and2 and are therefore not necessarily described further. Here, the shaft122 is depicted without the staging tray 102, which is not shown forclarity. In the depicted embodiment, a limited-movement ball and socketjoint 140 is depicted. The socket 124 includes a projection or spine 146disposed on an inner surface thereof. The spine 146 engages a slot 148defined by the ball 138, thus limiting the movement of the ball andsocket joint 140 to along a single plane P substantially parallel toboth the spine 146 and the slot 148. Such an embodiment displays morelimited positioning than a ball and socket joint that does not utilizethe engaging projection 146 and slot 148. In fact, the engagingprojection 146 and slot 148 allow only for two-dimensional pivotingmovement, akin to that of a hinge. However, such a limited-movement balland socket joint 140 may be desirable, as it prevents inadvertenttipping of the staging tray 102 to the sides during positioning thereof.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front perspective views of the staging tray assembly100 of FIG. 1, depicting extreme linear and angular positions of thestaging tray 102, relative to the bracket 104. FIG. 4A depicts thestaging tray 102 in a maximum upward angular position, as well as alinear position proximate to the interface 126 of the bracket 104. FIG.4B depicts the staging tray 102 in a maximum downward angular position,as well as a linear position distal to the interface 126 of the bracket104. A horizontal axis AH (generally substantially parallel to anoperating suite floor, substantially orthogonal to the force of gravity)is depicted for reference. Although FIG. 4A depicts the staging tray 102positioned in the maximum upward angular position, as well as in thelinear position closest to the interface 126, it will be apparent thatthe staging tray 102 could also be positioned in the maximum upwardangular position, while being in the linear position farthest from theinterface 126 (or at any location between the farthest and closestlinear positions). FIGS. 4A and 4B simply depict maximum angular andlinear positions of the staging tray 102 relative to the bracket 104.These maximum and minimum angular and linear positions are not mutuallyexclusive to the depicted positions.

The armature 136 defines an armature axis AA. In certain embodiments,the maximum upward angular position β_(U) of the staging tray 102, andas measured from the armature axis AA, may be up to about 60 degrees. Inanother embodiment, the maximum upward angular position β_(U) of thestaging tray 102 may be up to about 45 degrees. Maximum upward angularpositions β_(U) of the staging tray 102 of up to about 30 degrees andabout 15 degrees are also contemplated. In certain embodiments, themaximum downward angular position β_(D) of the staging tray 102, and asmeasured from the armature axis AA, may be up to about 60 degrees. Inanother embodiment, the maximum downward angular position β_(D) of thestaging tray 102 may be up to about 45 degrees. Maximum downward angularpositions β_(D) of the staging tray 102 of up to about 30 degrees andabout 15 degrees are also contemplated. When using a ball and socketjoint 140 having an unlimited range of motion, sideways angularpositions may be of similar maximum angles. A maximum linear distance LMbetween the ball and socket joint 140 and the interface 126 is generallylimited by the length of the armature 136, and in certain embodimentsmay be up to about 6 inches, up to about 4 inches, or up to about 2inches.

Angular and linear position adjustment systems other than those depictedin the above figures can be utilized to adjust and set the positions ofa staging tray relative to a medical tray. FIG. 5A is a partial enlargedperspective view of a linear locking element 200 in accordance with suchan embodiment. FIG. 5B is a top sectional view of the linear lockingelement 200 of FIG. 5A and is described simultaneously therewith. Here,a housing 202 is secured to a rear of an interface 126 that forms a partof a bracket 104. The housing 202 defines an inner bore 204 that issized to receive an armature 136. Each of the bracket 104, interface126, and armature 136 are described generally above. The armature 136defines a plurality of openings 150. A rocker 206 is pivotably connectedto the housing 202 via a pin 208. The rocker 206 includes a locking end210 and a release end 212. The locking end 210 is configured to projectinto one of the openings 150 when pressed inward by a user, so as toselectively lock the armature 136 in place as desired. When the userdesires to adjust a linear position of the armature 136, the userpresses the release end 212 of the rocker 206. This pivots the rocker206 and disengages the locking end 210 from the opening 150. Such adisengaged position is depicted in FIG. 5B. Thereafter, the armature 136can be moved and the locking end 210 again pressed so as to lock thearmature 136 in position. A face 214 of the release end 212 may beconfigured such that when depressed, it is not able to project into anyof the openings 150. A torsion or leaf spring may be utilized to biasthe locking end 210 towards the armature 136 to ensure positive lockingengagement.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a linear locking element 300 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present technology. In thisembodiment, the armature 136 includes a rack 302 formed by a pluralityof teeth 304. A housing 306 is secured to a rear of an interface 126that forms a part of a bracket 104. The housing 306 defines a slot (notshown) for slidably receiving the armature 136. A rocker 308 ispivotably secured to the housing 306 with a pin 310. The rocker 308includes a locking end 312 and a release end 314. A torsion or leafspring may be utilized to bias the locking end 312 towards the armature136 to ensure positive locking engagement. When engaged, the locking end312 is disposed within a gap between adjacent teeth 304, thus holdingthe armature 136 in place. In certain embodiments, the teeth 304 orlocking end 312 may be angled such that moving the armature 136 in afirst direction D₁, allows the rocker 308 to pivot, so as to enableadjustment of the armature 136 position without having to press therelease end 314. The teeth 304 may be more steeply angled on an oppositeface, such that a movement in a second direction D₂ will not allowpivoting of the rocker 308, thus necessitating actuation of the releaseend 314 so as to adjust the armature 136.

Other types of angular and linear position adjustment systems can beutilized to secure the position of the staging tray linearly and/orpivotably. For example, telescoping tubes having a rotatable lockingclamp may be used to lock the linear position of the armature. Pivotingsystems that utilize a plate having a number of positions defined byholes in the plate to engage with a pin can also be used.

The materials utilized in the manufacture of the staging tray assemblyand the various components thereof may be those typically utilized forother equipment utilized in surgical suites. For staging tray assembliesthat may be reutilized, metals such as steel, aluminum, or stainlesssteel can be used. Additionally, robust reinforced plastics can also beused. Such materials utilized in reusable assemblies should be able towithstand temperatures generated in an autoclave. Disposable plasticscan also be utilized. It may be desirable, however that these materialscould also be sterilized prior to use.

This disclosure described some embodiments of the present technologywith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of thepossible embodiments were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments were provided sothat this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed thescope of the possible embodiments to those skilled in the art.

Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of thetechnology is not limited to those specific embodiments. One skilled inthe art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are withinthe scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure,acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scopeof the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalentstherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a staging tray; abracket comprising a hooked upper arm, an interface comprising a topportion and a bottom portion, and a lower arm terminating in a bumper,wherein the hooked upper arm extends by a first distance from theinterface proximate the top portion and the lower arm extends by asecond distance from the interface proximate the bottom portion, whereinthe second distance is greater than the first distance, wherein thehooked upper arm is engageable with an upper lip of a medical tray, andwherein the bumper is affixed substantially perpendicular to the lowerarm such that the bumper is longitudinally engageable with a bottomsurface of the medical tray; and a connection mechanism for connectingthe bracket to the staging tray, wherein the connection mechanism isconfigured to position the staging tray both angularly and linearlyrelative to the bracket.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thestaging tray at least partially defines at least one of a trough and areceiver.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the staging traycomprises a raised edge, wherein at least a portion of the raised edgedefines at least one of a plurality of slots, a plurality of teeth, anda plurality of crenellations.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thestaging tray further comprising a forceps receiver.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the forceps receiver comprises adjacent openingsdefining a receipt angle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein thereceipt angle is sufficient to prevent forceps from sliding out of theforceps receiver at a plurality of angular positions of the stagingtray.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism is apivot mechanism, and wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a ball andsocket joint.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the socket is fixedlyconnected to the tray.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivotmechanism comprises a locking element for selectively positioning thepivot mechanism into a plurality of positions.
 10. An apparatuscomprising: a bracket comprising a hooked upper arm, an interfacecomprising a top portion and a bottom portion, and a lower armterminating in a bumper, wherein the hooked upper arm extends by a firstdistance from the interface proximate the top portion such that thehooked upper arm engages an upper lip of a medical tray, wherein thelower arm extends by a second distance from the interface proximate thebottom portion, wherein the second distance is greater than the firstdistance, and wherein the bumper is affixed substantially perpendicularto the lower arm such that the bumper engages longitudinally with abottom surface of the medical tray; and a staging tray is movablyengaged with the bracket by a connection mechanism, wherein theconnection mechanism is configured to position the staging tray bothangularly and linearly relative to the bracket.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, further comprising: an angular adjustment system comprising: aball and socket joint engaged with at least one of the bracket and thestaging tray; and a rotatable lock for engaging at least one of the balland the socket so as to selectively angularly position the staging trayrelative to the bracket.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the balland socket joint is positionable in a first extreme position and asecond extreme position approximately 90 degrees from the first extremeposition.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lock comprises atleast one of a fixed pin, a retractable pin, a spring-loaded pin, and aclamp.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the staging tray furthercomprising a forceps receiver.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, whereinthe forceps receiver comprises adjacent openings defining a receiptangle.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the receipt angle issufficient to prevent forceps from sliding out of the forceps receiverat a plurality of angular positions of the staging tray.
 17. Anapparatus comprising: a staging tray comprising: a staging surface,wherein the staging surface defines at least one receiver and at leastpartially defines a trough; and a raised perimeter defining an upper lipsubstantially surrounding the staging surface, wherein at least aportion of the raised perimeter at least partially defines at least onecut-out; a bracket comprising a hooked upper arm, an interfacecomprising a top portion and a bottom portion, and a lower armterminating in a bumper, wherein the hooked upper arm extends by a firstdistance from the interface proximate the top portion such that thehooked upper arm engages the upper lip of a medical tray, wherein thelower arm extends by a second distance from the interface proximate thebottom portion, wherein the second distance is greater than the firstdistance, wherein the bumper is affixed substantially perpendicular tothe lower arm such that the bumper engages longitudinally with a bottomsurface of the medical tray, and wherein the staging tray is configuredto be positioned both angularly and linearly relative to the bracket.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the staging tray furthercomprising a forceps receiver.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe forceps receiver comprises adjacent openings defining a receiptangle.